“There is more wisdom in your body than in your deepest philosophy.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
Here, at Alchemy Room, I, Alison Doherty, Dipl. O.M., LAc, will offer individualized and thorough treatments through the use of many modalities within the realm and scope of practice of a Master in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Such services may include Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua Sha, Tuina Massage, Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), Meditation, Medical Qigong, Dietary and Lifestyle Counseling, Herbal, supplement and Amino Acid Therapy as well as focused strengthening and stretching techniques when appropriate. These modalities serve as a catalyst for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These modalities help manage both acute and chronic pain, stress-related conditions including depression, anxiety, and insomnia, as well as other chronic digestive, dermatological, and nerve-related conditions. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments are an effective and non-invasive way to restore function and well-being.
My passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine began in 2004 when I was attending massage classes in Asian bodywork and was simultaneously studying Ba Gua (A Chinese martial art). At the time I was struggling with my own health conditions including unexplained nerve and back pain brought on by unresolved trauma. After finally trying acupuncture I found that within a few short treatments my symptoms had diminished and I was on my way towards pursuing an in depth education in healing which led me to an employment opportunity doing research on Chinese nutrition in 2006 and by fall of 2007, I began the Master’s degree program of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Yo San University in Los Angeles.
There, I studied Chinese medical theory and diagnosis, acupuncture and other treatment modalities, herbal medicine, western medicine, nutrition, energy and body work, and taoist philosophy. I was given the opportunity to do my clinical externship at the Children’s hospital of Los Angeles where I worked on the pediatric pain management team and continued to volunteer there after my externship was expired.
Upon graduation in 2011, I worked at Yo San University as the Assistant Academic Dean, Clinical Technical Supervisor, Acupuncturist at the Yo San University Clinic, and Professor of Introduction to Herbology. I also spent nearly 2 years working at Costa Community Acupuncture Clinic serving the Los Angeles community. There, I advanced my skills and understanding of chronic and acute pain management of osteopathic disorders.
In 2014 , I was awarded the prestigious Tao of Wellness Fellowship in Santa Monica, CA where I was mentored by Dr.’s Maoshing and Daoshing Ni. I was fortunate enough to gain advanced knowledge and expertise in the fields pediatrics, fertility, and women’s health before eventually opening a private practice (Alison Doherty Acupuncture) in Santa Monica, CA in 2016. I spent the last 5 years there treating a vast amount of conditions with a focus on stress management, trauma, mental/emotional health, pain management and women’s health including fertility, pregnancy and postpartum support. As a mother of two, I am very familiar with the ongoing needs and holes in the medical paradigm when it comes to proper care and support in all aspects of motherhood.
I am now thrilled to embark on my next endeavor as the owner and acupuncturist at Alchemy Room. It has always been a dream of mine to be on the East Coast and I look forward to all the healing that awaits in the beautiful city of Atlantic Highlands, NJ.